FIFTY years ago the sight of Russian soldiers having breakfast at an English pub would have set alarm bells ringing.

But these airmen were welcomed with open arms at the Plough in Wolvercote – even though they are here on official ‘spying’ business.

For the past four years members of the Russian Air Force have been fed and watered at the pub before setting off into British skies to take intelligence pictures.

They have been staying at the Pear Tree Travelodge, Oxford, and flying out of Brize Norton, near Witney, for the past few years as part of the Open Skies Treaty.

It is an agreement promoting openness and transparency for military forces across the world.

Wing Commander Al Davies and his men from RAF Henlow, in Bedfordshire, join the Russians on every flight over the UK to keep a ‘friendly eye’ on what they are doing.

The favour is returned when British airmen fly to Russia to gather their own intelligence.

Wg Cdr Davies said: “The treaty was set up in 2002, but it is something American President Eisenhauer first proposed back in 1955.

“It is about everything from making friends to being open. It has helped build a really good relationship.

“They pick where they go and what they want to take pictures of, but they are only allowed to take a certain quality of photograph.

“We develop them together and each get a copy of what they have taken.”

Retired Squadron Leader Mick George added: “If we had a similar agreement with Iraq, we would never have gone to war.”

After a hearty cooked breakfast, provided by landlord Tim Bowring, the men set off to fly the length and breadth of the country to take pictures. Russian Lieutenant Colonel Dmitriy Maximov said: “I love coming to Oxford and seeing the town, the history and, of course, the local pub.”

Mr Bowring, who has run the Plough for 14 years, said: “They are just very interesting, very easy going guys.

“Some people seem to have an image of Russians as our enemies. But it’s not like that at all.

“They all like the Greene King beer and our food, things like pork, lamb and trout go down with them very well.

“Some of the locals are a bit open mouthed when they see them in here, but I think they really enjoy it.”

And the pub’s unusual relationship with the RAF has put Mr Bowring back in touch with old school friend Squadron Leader Mark Chapman.